China's navy "has been on a historic trajectory these last 25 years," according to ADM Samuel Paparo, Jr., commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. "We are not overmatched, but I don't like the pace of the trajectory."

The U.S. Navy must ramp up production. While investments in the shipyards are crucial, sparking a renaissance in Navy shipbuilding also depends on careful attention to the whole of the supplier base. Navy suppliers are found all over America. "We will not be successful in building these ships if we do not have the supplier base fully engaged and participating," Navy Rear Admiral Todd Weeks, Program Executive Officer for Strategic Submarines, said on December 16. "There's a lot more folks working in those suppliers than there are in the shipyards," he noted.

To catch up, the Navy must work this problem all along the supply chain, from advanced procurement through to the suppliers of fans, valves, motors and other fittings needed by a wide range of ships from aircraft carriers to amphibious warships.

While the U.S. Navy and Congress focus on advanced procurement and the prime contractors, other suppliers are facing problems largely on their own. Take the example of axial fans used to vent engine rooms, workspaces, and living quarters. Their motors, impellers and casings must all meet Navy specifications for moving salt air and corrosive air containing small quantities of oil vapor and acid steam generated by battery evaporation. The fans have to pass tests for shock absorption and durability. Suppliers like American Fan, headquartered in Ohio, have fans on aircraft carriers and other vessels such as amphibious ships. Parent company Fairbanks Morse makes its own efforts to strengthen the industrial base, running a Defense Accelerator program to mentor small businesses with ideas and disruptive technologies applicable to defense.

Don't forget a dash of patriotism. Working on Navy ships is important, and it takes deep skills and dedication, often in real hot or cold weather. The security of this great nation (and dozens of allies) is at stake. America is proud of this awesome labor force.

The final reason for increasing maritime industrial-based capacity is sobering. These suppliers will be critical if U.S. Navy ships experience battle damage in the years ahead. Prepositioning parts at forward supply areas or onboard ships can help with maintenance and immediate repair. However, according to some wargame forecasts, the U.S. Navy might need significant battle damage repair capacity back in the United States. A stronger maritime industrial base capable of fixing ships and getting them back into combat zones could be an important part of deterrence.